STORM IT, LANDO!

Hamilton hails 'wake-up call' and Brit fans dare to dream as Norris grabs front-row slot

- NEIL RANDON

LANDO NORRIS had the widest smile on his face after British Grand Prix qualifying.

Despite having pole position snatched from his grasp in the dying moments of the one-hour session by world champion Max Verstappen, the Belgian-British driver had stormed it.

For about a minute at the end of the 10-car shoot-out, 23-yearold Norris had sensationally planted the fastest lap in his McLaren, only for Verstappen, winner of the last five races, to score the 27th pole of his career - but by only 0.241sec - right at the death.

Norris, in his fifth season in F1 and yet to win a Grand Prix, began to think a first Silverstone pole and only the second of his career after Russia 2021 - could be his, as he watched the screens around the circuit on his slowing-down lap.

"There are a lot of TV screens around the circuit and I was trying to watch as many as possible, Norris said.

"And I was surprised how long we were on the top for. I wasn't expecting us to be here.

"It's always Max. He always ruins everything for everyone!

"Expectations weren't low. When qualifying is like this when it's wet, then dry - it is very difficult to anticipate what is going to happen.